Explore the charming allure of Ptelea trifoliata, also known as Common Hoptree or Wafer Ash. This dynamic species, hailing from the citrus family, is native to North America, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Ptelea trifoliata embodies versatility, presenting itself as a deciduous shrub or a small tree often showcasing trifoliolate leaves. It thrives in the Mississippi river valley undergrowth and enjoys rocky slopes. Its unique fruit finds utility in beer production, acting as a hop substitute, and enhancing the rising of yeast during bread making. Known for its medicinal values, its root-bark is integrated into numerous remedies due to its anthelmintic, antibacterial, antiperiodic, stomachic, and tonic properties, bringing added potency to medicinal concoctions. Common Hoptree's structural features includes reddish-brown bark marked with short lenticels, dark reddish-brown branchlets, and thick fleshy roots that display the plant's robustness.
